When it comes to prayer, we usually “say” it. We close our eyes, and we start saying the prayer. This is the default prayer mode that we have been taught. Later, as we grow up, it often seems quite ritualistic and sometimes even boring. However, we think this is the only way to pray, so we repeat it every time.
While there’s nothing wrong in “saying” a prayer, if your heart is not in it, you should probably rethink it. And if you’re struggling to pray in this traditional way of praying, I am here to help you. Let me offer three alternatives to this traditional manner of prayer.
1. Instead of ‘Saying’, Journal Your Prayers.
Journaling isn’t a recent phenomenon. “People have been inscribing their sentiments, ideas, and reactions in diaries and journals for millennia. From the greatest rulers to the most obscure commoners, journals have captured the experiences of people across the globe for thousands of years.”1
Although I don’t have much evidence, this alternative has its roots in the rise of journaling one’s thoughts. What we can borrow from such practice is to journal our prayers. Instead of “saying” your prayers, you can “write” them down. Maybe maintain a diary where you write your prayers. Don’t hold back; unload all of your burdens there.
One of the greatest benefits of writing is that we can control our thoughts; they are steady and not wandering. Perhaps you might have experienced that when you’re praying, suddenly a thing pops up into your head, and then your entire train of thought goes to a different station. I have experienced that! However, when I used to write, such incidents were rare. So, try and see if this alternative works for you.
With this, let’s move on to the second alternative.
2. Instead of Saying ‘Long Prayers’ Once a Day, Pray in ‘Shorter Sentences’ Throughout the Day.
I recently came across this Instagram post penned by Chad Bird, which talked about the alternative that I’m trying to offer here. Let me share the short message that he put in the caption:
“Color the ordinary black-and-white activities of your daily life with prayer. As a general rule, shorter prayers more often are to be preferred over longer prayers less often. Punctuating your walking, talking, working, and other plain activities with brief prayers is a discipline worthy of fostering and encouraging.”2
He then proceeded to give examples of what he shared:
While waking up, pray, "I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the LORD sustained me" (Ps. 3:5).
While washing your hands or taking a drink: “Thank you, dear Father, for clean water.”
While getting dressed: “Clothe me in your righteousness, O Christ.”
While talking with a friend or stranger, silently pray: “Lord, bless and keep them.”
While traveling, "Lord, send your angels to protect us."
While going to sleep, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety" (Ps. 4:8).
And, in all circumstances, “Lord, have mercy” or “Jesus, help me.”
This is indeed a helpful tip as it helps us to be in constant communion with God not just for 30 minutes or an hour of prayer, but throughout the entire day! Let’s explore the third alternative.
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3. Instead of ‘Saying’ A Prayer, Go For A Prayer Walk.
Praying in a room can feel quite dull. So, try something different. Maybe go outside of your room into nature and say your prayers out loud. Or maybe go to a place you want to pray for.
Assume that you want to pray for the sick. Instead of praying in your own home in a closed room, maybe sometimes you can actually visit a hospital and pray for the sick. This helps because you are truly present there, you can see their pain and suffering, and their helplessness. These things help you to pray more concretely. It might not be possible to visit the place or people about which/whom you are praying, but you can still try.
I prefer to pray out in nature. I often start my prayer by praising and thanking God for making such a beautiful world—a world full of varieties of flowers, trees, colors, etc.
All of these three alternatives are just recommendations that are offered here so that you can make your prayer life more dynamic and less dull. There might be other ways. And I want you to try new ways so that you will get more praise points and prayer points to take unto God! You can even club these alternatives with ‘saying’ a prayer. Be creative.
May the God who hears and answers your prayers bless your prayer life!
https://epica.com/blogs/articles-by-epica/the-astonishing-history-of-journaling
www.instagram.com/p/C3xC6gUtAKk/